Eamon Refuses to Engage August
Even before today’s interview, August appeared on the U.D.P.’s Wave Radio Morning Show on Friday. Not only did he reiterate his intention to return to Wednesday’s meeting, but he challenged Courtenay to call him before the inquiry as he, Courtenay, suggested on May tenth. He even offered to resign his party post if Courtenay did so. Courtenay was brief and withering in his response later on Friday.
Eamon Courtenay, P.U.P. Senator [File: May 10th, 2017]
“Mr. Chairman, object – Mr. August up there, is attempting to distract me and I just want him to be very clear – he will get his turn to come down here, and if he continues his behaviour – see? Could you ask him to be removed? He’s sitting there pointing at me whenever I ask a question and I’m not going to continue until he is removed; he is disturbing me.”
Eamon Courtenay
Aldo Salazar, Chair, Senate Special Select Committee [File: May 10th, 2017]
“I didn’t see what you were referring to.”
Eamon Courtenay
“He is disturbing me and I am asking you as chairman of the Committee to have him removed; I will not continue my question until he is removed and I have questions to ask.”
Aldo Salazar
“I don’t, I don’t…”
Eamon Courtenay
“See him there again? See it there, watch?”
Aldo Salazar
“I don’t know that there is no way you can proceed if Mr. August would agree that he would…”
Eamon Courtenay
“Well I’m telling you that I will not proceed until he goes.”
Aldo Salazar
“Well, he’s decided to go.”
Reporter
“Speaking of the Chairman, he was on Wave Radio this morning, attempting to justify what he and his colleagues did on Wednesday. And he said to the effect of – several things, but two things which I wish to bring to your attention. One, that I am sure you heard him say at the very end of the inquiry on Wednesday they will be back each and every time you appear, because the protest is not about the inquiry; not about the press; it’s about you, specifically. The other thing is that he made reference to what you said when he was put out last week that he will have his turn here at the inquiry; whether that was meant officially, I don’t know, but he says if you can call him here to testify at the inquiry, then he will resign as Chairman; but if you are not able to do that, then you should resign as Senator; your response?”
Eamon Courtenay, P.U.P. Senator
“I will not dignify the comments of that gentleman with any response, absolutely none. I deny his existence.”
